Deborah Lynn Dunlap

Deborah Lynn Dunlap, 72, of Robinson, IL, passed away on June 21, 2022, at Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center in Carmel, IN. She was born April 7, 1950, in Robinson, IL, the daughter of James "Bud" & Wilma (Goff) Montgomery. She grew up in the Robinson area and was a 1968 graduate of Robinson High School. She furthered her education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education. Back home, Debbie found work with L.S. Heath & Sons for a time before starting a family, at which point she dedicated herself to raising her three beloved children. Eventually, she re-joined the workforce, working as a student advocate in the Admissions Office of Lincoln Trail College. In this capacity, she helped many area students select their classes, apply for scholarships, and would even help them piece together job applications. Eventually, she put her own application into the Gingerbread House, where she cared for and taught countless 3-4 year-olds over the years before ending her career as a substitute teacher for a number of area schools.

When taking a look through her 72 years, her love of children becomes increasingly evident. At home, Debbie was known as the "baby whisperer", as she was able to console any crying infant that found its way into her tender arms. A longtime and active member of the New Hope Baptist Church, much of her time under its roof found her investing in kids, be that in the nursery, as a Sunday school or Bible school teacher, or as a children's church leader. It was through the church that she took part in the Woman's Missionary Union (WMU) and demonstrated the love of Jesus by putting together care packages, filling kids' shoe boxes, and piecing together Linus blankets.

She crocheted many blankets for her treasured family as well. They will remember Debbie as a dedicated daughter, a supportive sister, a devoted wife, a loving mother, a doting grandmother, and an adoring great-grandmother. The loving care she gave to us will live on in our hearts until, by the grace of God, we meet again!

She married Dennie D. Dunlap on December 4, 1971, and he preceded her in death on March 9, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her father, James "Bud" Montgomery; by her sister, Judy O'Dell; and by her grandson, Briar Kinney.

She is survived by her children, Travis L. & Anisha Dunlap (Golden City, MO), Christel D. Richter (Springboro, OH), and Sonia K. Kerr (Lawrenceville, IL); by eight grandchildren, Jonathan Kinney & Marly Scott, Skylayr J. Dunlap & Alexis Hale, Brant A. Dunlap & Kristin Roux, Shyanne J. Sechrest, Selina L. Dunlap, Sierra M. Sechrest, Tyra D. Kinney, and Lane W. Dunlap; by three great-grandchildren, Emma M. Lhota, Bryliegh Dunlap, and Hudson Dunlap; by her mother, Wilma Montgomery (Robinson, IL); by her sisters & brothers-in-law, Terry & Michael Stovall (Grand Saline, TX), Cathy & Harold Dunlap (Flat Rock, IL), and Carolyn & Stanley Tucker (Carbondale, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 24th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock. Funeral services will immediately follow and will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Monroney officiating. Burial will be in the Jones Cemetery. In honor of her lifelong compassionate care for children, memorial contributions may be made to the "Oblong Children's Christian Home", with envelopes available at the funeral home.